Discover the most scenic and exhilarating running races to book for summer 2024 (and where to rest your weary legs in style afterwards)
Running has never been quite so trendy. London marathon entries alone were at their highest this year, with more than half a million people throwing their hat into the ring for the chance to run 42.2km of sweaty endurance and reap the Strava kudos benefits. And it extends far beyond just the long distance – I’ve never seen so many GRWM for a 5km reels on Instagram in my life.
If you’ve got the bug, take on an upcoming running challenge taking place throughout the UK this summer and stay somewhere swish alongside. After all, if you’re going to push your body through its paces, you might as well have a bubble bath to sink into following the action or a plate of something really quite delicious.
From picturesque riverside races to hilly climbs and routes that’ll question your sanity, here are some of the best races to enter this summer (and where to rest your weary legs afterwards) .
1 The Run: RunThrough Richmond Half Marathon, London
Sunday July 07 2024
One for the nature lovers who don’t quite feel like leaving the city, this stunning route through the famous deer park is sure to delight runners. Taking place on a mix of trail and path, book your place to race around the scenic Richmond surroundings and collect that all-important medal at the end.
A half marathon will equate to four loops around the park, but there’s also a 10k and 5k for those who prefer a shorter distance too. letsdothis.com
The Rendezvous: Mitre Hampton Court, East Molesey
Ideal if both and your partner are avid runners, the Mitre Hampton Court has a true sense of romance about it. Make a weekend of it and book an extra night to unwind in classic style, with a wide variety of regal-inspired rooms to choose from. It’s around a half hour’s drive from Richmond Park, with plenty of free parking available once you approach the start line. mitrehamptoncourt.com
2 The Run: Midnight Marathon, Kent
Saturday, 06 July 2024
There are two main reasons to love this run. A) it takes place in the evening for something more unusual and B) it’s one of the flattest marathon routes in the entire country. We all know that this kind of route means a flat and furious race, with the potential for either a PB or simply a less hellish marathon experience all round. Book your spot to take on the adventure, with a range of distances for every pair of legs. letsdothis.com
The Rendezvous: Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa
Located just 15 minutes away from the action, enjoy the comfort of 38 rooms and suites, arranged across the Main House and the Clockhouse. All named after the abundant flora found in the Kent countryside, these range from cosy rooms ideal for an overnight pit-stop through to indulgent master suites, with glorious over-sized bathtubs, chic Michael Northcroft furnishings and rich velvets and textured wall-coverings.
Uhm – and did we mention the spa? Crafted from a desire to transport the senses away from the everyday, Utopia features nineteen treatment rooms including two couple’s treatment rooms, iconic Romanesque split-level pools, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and more. Now that’s what we call post-race luxury. alexanderhotels.co.uk/rowhill-grange
3 The Run: RunThrough Snowdonia Sea2Sky 53k & 25k Trail Races
Saturday, 03 Aug 2024
Take on this brand new, exhilarating event from RunThrough set in Snowdonia. With 25k and 53k distances to choose from, you’re sure to be challenged as you take on some incredible trails. Enjoy the amazing views as you run and the finisher’s medal waiting for you at the finish line.
This 53k and 25k event in late summer will take you around the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. Starting from Barmouth on the National Park’s coast, the route will have stunning scenery, from the coast up to Cader Iris. This will be a well-marshalled route, so is perfect for both seasoned athletes and first timers. The event begins and finishes on Traeth Abermaw Beach, Barmouth, with both routes heading out over the Barmouth footbridge.
The 53k then joins the Mawddach Trail and ascends Cader Idris before looping back to Barmouth. The 25k takes in the second half of the 50k route with stunning views over Bae Ceredigion and the Llŷn Peninsula. letsdothis.com
The Rendezvous: Llangoed Hall, Snowdonia
This nearby venue’s history dates back to 560AD; today, the hotel embraces classic country charm with a modern twist. With 23 beautiful guest rooms, each uniquely refurbished and decorated by former owners Sir Bernard and Laura Ashley, each abode is finished with modern amenities to guarantee a stylish and comfortable stay both before and after your running feat. llangoedhall.co.uk
4 The Run: Endorphin Sport Belvoir Castle Multisport Weekend 2024
Sat, 31 Aug 2024 – Sun, 1 Sep 2024
One for the multisport addicts. Taking place in the East Midlands, enjoy the scenic grounds of Belvoir Castle in this multi-sport weekend for the whole family. Test your open water swimming in the estate’s very own lake, cycle through the undulating countryside, and run through the castle’s iconic grounds. Post-race, head over to The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle for a wood-fired pizza (or three).
The Rendezvous: Glamping at Belvoir Castle, Grantham
Why not make a weekend of it? Join the Endorphin Sports camp on the Saturday night right next to where you’ll be racing and in the stunning grounds of the Belvoir Estate enjoying views of the Castle.Pack your boots alongside the trainers for a weekend of picturesque bell tent glamping at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. With endless natural beauty on your doorstep, plenty of quintessentially British activities and even on-site sustenance, sleeping outdoors is the perfect slice of sanctuary. belvoirestateholidays.com
PLUS: Read our full experience here
5 The Run: BACCHUS WINE HALF MARATHON & 10KM, DENBIES VINEYARD
Sunday 08 September, 2024
Amongst oenphiles, English wine has been an open secret for some time and there is no better place to sample it than Denbies Vineyard in Dorking – the only small catch is that you’ll have to do a little bit of running – the Bacchus Wine Half Marathon and 10K to be exact.
Set in stunning surroundings off the North Downs, Bacchus is one of the must-do events on the UK running calendar. Most of the field turns out in fancy dress, there are bands and other musical entertainment around the course, but it’s the drinks stations on route that separates Bacchus from other running races and epitomize the spirit of the event.
Half-marathon runners will have the chance to sample six fabulous award-winning English wines, at five drinks stations along the course (you visit one station twice going out and coming back) with food and soft drinks to accompany them. If you are running the 10K you’ll visit two of the wine stations.
For all runners there’s more food, drink and music waiting for you at the finish at the post-race hog roast where the party carries on long into the evening. Nobody goes hungry – non-running friends or supporters can purchase the same food and drinks at the post-race hog roast.
The Rendezvous: Denbies Vineyard Hotel, Surrey
Located in the heart of the Denbies Wine Estate’s 265 acre vineyard, the new sustainable stay offers 17 en-suite rooms. Carefully designed to blend into the natural surroundings of the Surrey Hills and the North Downs, the property offers the perfect wine-inspired getaway.
One of the largest and most successful wineries in England, Denbies Vineyard Hotel aims to offer guests far more than just a tour and a tasting experience. Filled with subtle references to its location in the heart of the Surrey Hills wine country, this new hotel is ideal for those who love a sip of sustainable luxury. denbies.co.uk
All images credited to their respective hotels.
